Spare Change Signs

I buy the occasional cardboard sign from people asking for money on the sidewalk. Don't ask me why. I basically say, "How much for the sign?". This throws a lot of people when I ask to buy their sign. They think I'm being a wiseguy. "How much do you want for it?". I basically pay whatever they say - within reason. It isn't that hard to find another piece of cardboard in a big city and black magic markers (the preferred writing instrument) cost about $2. So, anything more than $2 is pure profit. And wouldn't it be nice to change your message once and a while? The most I've ever paid is $20. You should've seen the look on the old guy's face when I handed him the $20 bill.


The sign above was bought from a young couple in front of Toronto city hall for $10. From their accent, it sounded like they were from Newfoundland. They told me that the sign was on the level, that they didn't have any money, but they wanted to get a marriage license. In 2006 a City of Toronto marriage license costs $130.

I hope those crazy kids went through with it.